Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?

1

Get theFacts

2

CompareOptions

3

YourFeelings

4

YourDecision

5

QuizYourself

6

Your Summary

Get the facts

Your options

Treat fluid buildup in your child's middle
ear.

Don't treat the fluid buildup. Instead, wait and see if the
fluid clears up on its own.

Key points to remember

Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3
months without treatment.

Decongestants, antihistamines, and other
over-the-counter cold medicines usually don't help
treat or prevent fluid in the middle ear.

In rare cases, fluid
buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing
usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

If a hearing
test shows that your child has trouble hearing, treatment with
antibiotics or surgery may be recommended. But if your
child's hearing is okay, you can wait another 3 months to see if the fluid
clears up on its own.

Fluid
buildup in the middle ear is called
otitis media with effusion. The
middle ear is the small part of the ear just inside the eardrum.

Your child may not have any symptoms, or he or she may have some minor
discomfort and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. Your child may
say that his or her ears feel plugged.

Fluid can build up when a
cold, allergy, or some other problem causes the small tube that carries fluid
from the middle ear to the throat to swell and close. If this tube, called the
eustachian tube, gets blocked, fluid builds up in the
middle ear.

For some children, the fluid goes away in a few weeks.
But a few children still have fluid buildup 3 months after it starts. If your child still has fluid
after an ear infection, he or she is more likely to get another
infection.

In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or
more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after
the fluid is gone.

In
most cases, fluid in the middle ear clears up within 3 months without
treatment. But if the fluid is still there after 3 months and your child has
trouble hearing, treatment may be advised.

Your doctor may
suggest one of the following treatments:

Antibiotics are sometimes used.
But they don't always work or prevent the fluid from coming back. Most children
won't need to take antibiotics.

Ear tubes allow fluid to drain out of the middle ear. They can also
help keep the fluid from coming back, improve hearing, and prevent repeat ear
infections. These tubes stay in place for 6 to 12 months and then fall out on
their own. Most children who get ear tubes are helped. But some children may need to have tubes put in their ears
again, because the fluid comes back.

Surgery to remove the adenoids can help air and fluid move through the nasal
passages more easily and prevent future fluid buildup. In rare cases, the
tonsils may also be taken out. Adenoids and tonsils are small masses of tissue
at the back of the throat. They can swell and cause fluid to get trapped in the
middle ear. In most cases, doctors recommend this surgery only when antibiotics
or ear tubes haven't worked.

A blockage in the tube, which can cause fluid to build up
again and cause an infection.

A thickening of the eardrum over
time, which may cause hearing problems.

Discharge of pus from the
ear.

A hole in the eardrum that doesn't close after the tube comes
out.

Scarring of the eardrum. But this is rare.

A
buildup of tissue behind the eardrum. But this is rare.

One or both
tubes slipping out of place. But this is rare.

Possible risks of adenoid surgery include:

Bleeding.

Infection.

Pain.

Less common risks of ear tube placement and
adenoid surgery include more serious bleeding and problems from
anesthesia.

Don't treat fluid
buildup Don't treat fluid
buildup

You wait and see if
the fluid clears up on its own.

If your child has an infection, you can relieve his or her symptoms at home by:

Putting a warm washcloth on
your child's ear.

Encouraging your child to rest.

In most children, the
fluid clears up within 3 months without treatment.

Your child can
avoid the side effects of antibiotics and the risks of surgery.

You don't have to pay for antibiotics or surgery.

If
the fluid doesn't clear up on its own, you can decide later to try
treatment.

Your
child may have some mild discomfort and a feeling of pressure or fullness in
his or her ears until the fluid clears up on its own.

Sometimes
the fluid doesn't go away on its own. If it lasts a long time, it can damage
the eardrum and may:

Increase the chance of repeat ear
infections.

Cause hearing problems.

Personal stories about treatment for fluid behind the eardrum

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

My little
boy, Mateo, is 5 years old. He has only had two ear infections, but he still
has fluid behind his eardrum since this last infection. The fluid has been
behind his eardrum for 3 months now. It doesn't seem to bother him. I'm going
to have Mateo's hearing tested and, if it is okay, I'm just going to wait to
see if the fluid will go away on its own.

Ramon, age 45

My
daughter, Sarah, is almost 3 years old. A few months ago, she had her fourth
ear infection, and this time there is still fluid behind her eardrum. I am
worried. I don't want Sarah to have trouble with her speech. I have heard about
putting tubes in children's ears to help drain fluid. Even though surgery is
scary, I'm going to go ahead and talk with Sarah's doctor about having it done.
Sarah is tired of taking medicines, and I don't want Sarah to have any hearing
loss.

Wilson, age
33

My daughter, Amanda, is 4. She just had
her first ear infection 4 months ago and still has fluid behind her eardrum. I
had her hearing tested, and there is no problem. The fluid doesn't seem to
bother her. Amanda really hates to take medicine, so I'm just going to wait and
see if the fluid will go away on its own.

Michelle, age 25

My son,
Saul, is 7 years old. Saul has only had a few ear infections, and none of them
have caused much trouble. This last infection, though, was worse than any
other. It started 5 months ago. The doctor gave Saul antibiotics, and that
seemed to help. The problem is that Saul still has fluid behind his left
eardrum. It doesn't really bother him, except he says that his ear seems
"stuffy." We have tried letting it get better on its own, but it isn't
changing. We're going to go ahead and talk with Saul's doctor about trying
antibiotics again.

Rachel, age 42

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to treat fluid buildup in your child's middle ear

Reasons not to treat fluid buildup

I want to get rid of the fluid in my child's middle ear now before it causes my child any problems.

I want to wait and see if the fluid clears up on its own.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm worried that fluid in the ears may cause my child to have problems hearing.

I'm not worried that my child will develop hearing problems.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm not worried about the risks and side effects of treatment.

I'm worried that my child might not be able to handle the side effects of treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm not worried about how much treatment costs.

I don't have insurance, and I can't afford to pay for treatment myself.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having my child treated

NOT having my child treated

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.1, Does fluid buildup in the middle ear always need to be treated?

YesSorry, that's not right. Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.

NoThat's right. Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.

2.2, Can having a buildup of fluid in the middle ear cause hearing problems?

YesThat's right. In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

NoSorry, that's not right. In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Compare your options

What matters most to you?

Where are you leaning now?

What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Treat fluid buildup in your child's middle
ear.

Don't treat the fluid buildup. Instead, wait and see if the
fluid clears up on its own.

Key points to remember

Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3
months without treatment.

Decongestants, antihistamines, and other
over-the-counter cold medicines usually don't help
treat or prevent fluid in the middle ear.

In rare cases, fluid
buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing
usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

If a hearing
test shows that your child has trouble hearing, treatment with
antibiotics or surgery may be recommended. But if your
child's hearing is okay, you can wait another 3 months to see if the fluid
clears up on its own.

FAQs

What is fluid buildup in the middle ear?

Fluid
buildup in the middle ear is called
otitis media with effusion. The
middle ear is the small part of the ear just inside the eardrum.

Your child may not have any symptoms, or he or she may have some minor
discomfort and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. Your child may
say that his or her ears feel plugged.

Fluid can build up when a
cold, allergy, or some other problem causes the small tube that carries fluid
from the middle ear to the throat to swell and close. If this tube, called the
eustachian tube, gets blocked, fluid builds up in the
middle ear.

For some children, the fluid goes away in a few weeks.
But a few children still have fluid buildup 3 months after it starts. If your child still has fluid
after an ear infection, he or she is more likely to get another
infection.

In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or
more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after
the fluid is gone.

How is fluid buildup in the middle ear treated?

In
most cases, fluid in the middle ear clears up within 3 months without
treatment. But if the fluid is still there after 3 months and your child has
trouble hearing, treatment may be advised.

Your doctor may
suggest one of the following treatments:

Antibiotics are sometimes used.
But they don't always work or prevent the fluid from coming back. Most children
won't need to take antibiotics.

Ear tubes allow fluid to drain out of the middle ear. They can also
help keep the fluid from coming back, improve hearing, and prevent repeat ear
infections. These tubes stay in place for 6 to 12 months and then fall out on
their own. Most children who get ear tubes are helped. But some children may need to have tubes put in their ears
again, because the fluid comes back.

Surgery to remove the adenoids can help air and fluid move through the nasal
passages more easily and prevent future fluid buildup. In rare cases, the
tonsils may also be taken out. Adenoids and tonsils are small masses of tissue
at the back of the throat. They can swell and cause fluid to get trapped in the
middle ear. In most cases, doctors recommend this surgery only when antibiotics
or ear tubes haven't worked.

What home treatments can you try?

If your child has an infection and not just fluid buildup,
you can treat him or her at home with:

A blockage in the tube, which can cause fluid to build up
again and cause an infection.

A thickening of the eardrum over
time, which may cause hearing problems.

Discharge of pus from the
ear.

A hole in the eardrum that doesn't close after the tube comes
out.

Scarring of the eardrum. But this is rare.

A
buildup of tissue behind the eardrum. But this is rare.

One or both
tubes slipping out of place. But this is rare.

Possible risks of adenoid surgery include:

Bleeding.

Infection.

Pain.

Less common risks of ear tube placement and
adenoid surgery include more serious bleeding and problems from
anesthesia.

Your
child may have some mild discomfort and a feeling of pressure or fullness in
his or her ears until the fluid clears up on its own.

Sometimes
the fluid doesn't go away on its own. If it lasts a long time, it can damage
the eardrum and may:

Increase the chance of repeat ear
infections.

Cause hearing problems.

Personal stories

Personal stories about treatment for fluid behind the eardrum

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"My little boy, Mateo, is 5 years old. He has only had two ear infections, but he still has fluid behind his eardrum since this last infection. The fluid has been behind his eardrum for 3 months now. It doesn't seem to bother him. I'm going to have Mateo's hearing tested and, if it is okay, I'm just going to wait to see if the fluid will go away on its own."

— Ramon, age 45

"My daughter, Sarah, is almost 3 years old. A few months ago, she had her fourth ear infection, and this time there is still fluid behind her eardrum. I am worried. I don't want Sarah to have trouble with her speech. I have heard about putting tubes in children's ears to help drain fluid. Even though surgery is scary, I'm going to go ahead and talk with Sarah's doctor about having it done. Sarah is tired of taking medicines, and I don't want Sarah to have any hearing loss."

— Wilson, age
33

"My daughter, Amanda, is 4. She just had her first ear infection 4 months ago and still has fluid behind her eardrum. I had her hearing tested, and there is no problem. The fluid doesn't seem to bother her. Amanda really hates to take medicine, so I'm just going to wait and see if the fluid will go away on its own."

— Michelle, age 25

"My son, Saul, is 7 years old. Saul has only had a few ear infections, and none of them have caused much trouble. This last infection, though, was worse than any other. It started 5 months ago. The doctor gave Saul antibiotics, and that seemed to help. The problem is that Saul still has fluid behind his left eardrum. It doesn't really bother him, except he says that his ear seems "stuffy." We have tried letting it get better on its own, but it isn't changing. We're going to go ahead and talk with Saul's doctor about trying antibiotics again."

— Rachel, age 42

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to treat fluid buildup in your child's middle ear

Reasons not to treat fluid buildup

I want to get rid of the fluid in my child's middle ear now before it causes my child any problems.

I want to wait and see if the fluid clears up on its own.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm worried that fluid in the ears may cause my child to have problems hearing.

I'm not worried that my child will develop hearing problems.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm not worried about the risks and side effects of treatment.

I'm worried that my child might not be able to handle the side effects of treatment.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm not worried about how much treatment costs.

I don't have insurance, and I can't afford to pay for treatment myself.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having my child treated

NOT having my child treated

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
Does fluid buildup in the middle ear always need to be treated?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Fluid buildup in the middle ear usually clears up within 3 months without treatment.

2.
Can having a buildup of fluid in the middle ear cause hearing problems?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. In rare cases, fluid buildup that lasts 3 months or more may cause hearing problems. But hearing usually returns to normal after the fluid is gone.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

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